The most in-demand IT jobs in Quebec in 2026

The shortage of specialized talent has a direct impact on salaries. The most in-demand IT jobs now regularly pay more than $115,000 in Montreal. This increase is no coincidence: it reflects a race for rare skills in a market where demand far exceeds supply.

The technological shift of 2026 in Quebec

The era of pilot projects is coming to an end. Quebec companies, from manufacturing SMEs to large financial institutions, are now moving to large-scale production. This transition creates specific needs: professionals capable of deploying, securing, and maintaining systems that operate 24/7 are required.

The shortage of skilled talent is pushing employers to revise their salary expectations. A junior web developer can expect to earn between $65,000 and $75,000, but the specialists we discuss in this ranking of the most in-demand IT jobs can negotiate packages that double or even triple these amounts.

The Top 5 Most In-Demand IT Jobs

1. Applied AI Engineer: putting models into production

The hype surrounding AI has died down. What companies want now is someone who can take a machine learning model and integrate it into their existing systems without crashing the platform.

The concrete challenges: managing inference costs, maintaining model performance over time, ensuring that predictions remain reliable when data changes. This IT profession is one of the most in-demand because it requires a dual skill set: understanding algorithms AND knowing how to put them into production.

2. Cybersecurity Analyst and Architect: Protecting in a Zero Trust World

Bill 25 on personal information protection has shaken up the Quebec market. Organizations must now prove that they are adequately protecting their customers' data. This legal obligation and the rise in cyberattacks have created explosive demand for cybersecurity analysts and architects.

Current priorities include implementing a Zero Trust approach (never trust, always verify), managing regulatory compliance, and responding to security incidents. Companies are looking for professionals who can think like attackers while building strong defenses.

3. Cloud Architect: Navigating the Multicloud

Quebec companies have embraced the cloud, but not just any old way. Most now juggle multiple platforms: Azure for Microsoft applications, AWS for certain specific workloads, and sometimes Google Cloud for analytics. Managing this complexity requires specialized expertise on the part of cloud architects.

The challenges in the field: optimizing costs (cloud bills can skyrocket quickly), ensuring security in hybrid environments, and maintaining performance when data flows between multiple clouds. This IT profession is among the most in-demand because few people truly master this orchestration.

4. Data scientist/data analyst: the foundation of AI

Artificial intelligence only works if it is based on clean, well-structured, and accessible data. This is exactly what data analysts do. Without them, AI projects remain stuck at the promise stage.

Key responsibilities: Building and maintaining data pipelines, ensuring the quality and freshness of information, and making data accessible to analytics and AI teams. This role acts as a bridge between traditional databases and modern advanced analytics needs.

5. DevOps/SRE Engineer: Ensuring Reliability

Modern applications must operate without interruption. An e-commerce site that goes down on Black Friday means millions of dollars lost. An inaccessible banking platform means a crisis of confidence. DevOps and SRE (Site Reliability Engineering) engineers exist to prevent these scenarios.

Daily tasks include automating deployments, monitoring system health, responding quickly when something goes wrong, and continuously improving infrastructure resilience. Among the most in-demand IT jobs, this one combines skills in development, operations, and crisis management.

Comparison table: salary and technical skills

Job title	Actual median salary (annual)	High range for seniors (Montreal/QC)	Key technical stack verified
Applied AI Engineer	100 000 $ - 140 000 $	Up to 170k$ (top 10%) ​	Python, PyTorch, LangChain, MLOps
Cybersecurity Architect	105 000 $ - 150 000 $	Up to 165k$	Sentinel, Palo Alto, GRC, Loi 25
Cloud Architect	110 000 $ - 155 000 $	Up to 165k$ ​	Azure/AWS, Terraform, Kubernetes
Data Engineer	95 000 $ - 135 000 $	Up to 155k$	Spark, Airflow, SQL, Python
DevOps/SRE Specialist	100 000 $ - 145 000 $	Up to150k$	Kubernetes, CI/CD, Prometheus

These figures are based on data from Robert Half Canada and Job Bank, cross-referenced with our own placement data at Fed IT.

Salaries vary depending on several factors: the candidate's experience, the size of the company, the industry, and the region. A cybersecurity architect at a Montreal bank will generally earn more than someone with a similar profile at a small manufacturing company in the regions.

The reality in Quebec: bilingualism, teleworking, and regions

Bilingualism, a negotiable asset

Quebec has a unique feature: the IT market operates largely in English for technical aspects, but French remains important for internal communication and regulatory compliance. A fully bilingual candidate can negotiate a salary 10 to 15% higher than a unilingual candidate, particularly in large companies that must comply with the Charter of the French Language.

Teleworking is redrawing the map

The pandemic has changed the rules of the game. In 2026, most IT positions offer some form of hybrid work (two to three days in the office). Some roles, particularly in DevOps and data engineering, can be 100% remote. This flexibility allows Montreal companies to recruit in other regions, and vice versa.

Opportunities in the regions

Quebec City, Sherbrooke, and Gatineau are developing their technology ecosystems. Salaries there are generally 10-20% lower than in Montreal, but so is the cost of living. For some professionals, the math adds up, especially with remote work opening up access to Montreal employers while living elsewhere.

Immigration, an open path

Quebec actively welcomes skilled IT workers. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program offers pathways to permanent residence. The most in-demand IT professions often benefit from expedited processing. The main challenge remains the recognition of foreign degrees and, for some positions, proficiency in French.

How to position yourself for these opportunities

For current professionals

If you already hold an IT position in Quebec, here's how to move up to these high-paying jobs:

Focus on certifications: Quebec employers value recognized IT certifications. For cloud computing, aim for Azure or AWS architect-level certifications. For cybersecurity, CISSP or CEH certifications make a difference.

Build your production experience: Personal projects and labs are useful for learning, but employers want to see that you have managed systems in production. Look for opportunities in your current company to get involved in real environments.

Develop technical bilingualism: If you already speak one language, invest in the other. A French-speaking cloud architect who can present a strategy in English to technical teams has a real competitive advantage.

For immigration applicants

Quebec offers great opportunities, but the process requires preparation:

Check your eligibility: Before you begin, visit the Quebec Ministry of Immigration website. The most in-demand IT jobs are often included on the list of sought-after professions, which can speed up your application.

Anticipate the language issue: French is mandatory for most permanent immigration programs. Start learning or improving your French before you even submit your application.

Have your degrees evaluated: The comparative evaluation process can take several months. Start it early so you don't delay your job search once you arrive.

Network before you arrive: LinkedIn is active in Quebec. Start connecting with professionals in your field, join industry groups, and show your interest in the local market.

For IT managers and recruiters

The war for talent continues in 2026. Here's how to attract these rare profiles:

Be realistic about salaries: The ranges presented in this article reflect the current market. Offering 15% less than the market rate for a cybersecurity architect is a sure way to guarantee that the best candidates will go elsewhere.

Emphasize flexibility: Remote work and flexible hours are no longer perks, they are basic expectations. Companies that require a full return to the office lose candidates before they even get to the first interview.

Invest in continuing education: Technology evolves quickly. IT professionals want to work for employers who will help them stay up to date. A generous training budget attracts and retains talent.

Simplify your hiring processes: A process that stretches over six weeks with five interviews scares away the best candidates. They receive multiple offers and choose companies that make quick decisions.

Languages and technologies in demand

Beyond specific roles, certain technical skills and programming languages consistently appear in Quebec job postings:

Python dominates. It is the language of choice for AI, automation, data engineering, and even certain aspects of DevOps. Mastering Python opens doors in almost all of the most in-demand IT professions.

Java remains strong, particularly in large companies and the financial sector. Legacy systems don't disappear overnight, and someone who can modernize a Java application while maintaining stability is valuable.

TypeScript is gaining ground for modern web development. Frameworks like React and Angular use it extensively. For cloud architects who have to manage complex user interfaces, it has become almost essential.

Go is emerging for high-performance systems. Kubernetes is written in Go, as are many modern DevOps tools. It's a niche skill, but it's in high demand.

SQL never dies. No matter what new technologies emerge, relational data is still everywhere. A data engineer without solid SQL skills won't get very far.

For programmers who want to develop their skills, combining several of these languages represents a real competitive advantage in the Quebec market.

The impact of Bill 25 on IT professions

Bill 25 on personal information protection, which came into force in Quebec, has created specific obligations for businesses. They must now document their data processing procedures, appoint a data protection officer, and report security incidents.

This regulation has led to a significant increase in demand for three types of profiles:

Cybersecurity architects must now integrate compliance into system design. Understanding legal requirements and knowing how to translate them into technical measures is becoming a sought-after skill.

Data engineers are on the front line when it comes to implementing access controls and data traceability. Companies need to know who is accessing what data, when, and why.

Data governance specialists are emerging as a new profile. Half technical, half legal, these professionals establish policies and ensure that technical teams comply with them.

Candidate: how to attract the attention of the best employers?

The Quebec IT market in 2026 rewards specialized expertise and practical experience. Companies recruiting for the most in-demand IT jobs are looking for professionals who can solve complex problems, not just perform tasks.

To get noticed:

• Showcase your concrete achievements: A resume that lists technologies no longer impresses anyone. Talk about the systems you have built, the problems you have solved, and the measurable impact of your work.
• Stay up to date: Technologies evolve quickly. Follow trends, experiment with new tools, and participate in technical communities. All of this shows that you are proactive.
• Build your network: The best opportunities often come through recommendations. Attend meetups, contribute to open source projects, engage in technical discussions on LinkedIn.
• Consider specialized placement: IT recruitment agencies have in-depth knowledge of the market. At Fed IT, we have access to positions that are never publicly advertised.

The Quebec IT market offers remarkable opportunities for qualified professionals. Salaries are competitive, projects are stimulating, and the quality of life in Montreal and other Quebec cities is attracting more and more international talent. If you have one of the skills listed in this top 5, you are in a favorable position to negotiate your next career move.

For those who are still considering their career path in IT, these five professions represent strategic choices with significant growth potential for the years to come.

Frequently asked questions

What will the junior IT salary be in Quebec in 2026?

A junior developer or entry-level analyst can expect to earn between $65,000 and $75,000 annually in the Montreal area. This amount varies depending on the industry, company size, and specific skills. Candidates with training in artificial intelligence or cybersecurity can negotiate slightly higher salaries, even at the beginning of their careers.

What are the most in-demand programming languages in Montreal?

Python ranks first, mainly for artificial intelligence, automation, and data analysis. Java remains important in large companies and the financial sector. TypeScript is gaining ground for modern web development. Go is emerging for high-performance systems and DevOps tools. SQL remains fundamental for all data-related roles.

Does Bill 25 influence the IT professions in demand?

Yes, significantly. Bill 25 has created increased demand for cybersecurity architects who understand regulatory compliance, data engineers capable of implementing robust access controls, and data governance specialists. Quebec companies must now demonstrate that they adequately protect personal information, which requires specific technical skills.

Is remote work really accessible for these professions?

The majority of these positions now offer some form of hybrid remote work, generally with two to three days in the office. Some roles, particularly in DevOps and data engineering, can be performed entirely remotely. Architects and cybersecurity specialists sometimes need to be present for security reasons or to collaborate closely with other teams. Full teleworking remains rarer in large companies and regulated sectors such as finance.

Do you need to be bilingual to work in IT in Quebec?

It depends on the position and the company. In large organizations, bilingualism (French and English) is a major asset that can increase your salary by 10 to 15%. Technical work is often done in English, but internal communication and documentation may require French. For permanent immigration, French is generally mandatory. In startups or medium-sized companies, language requirements are more flexible.